Simple Ways To Prevent Workout Injuries

If you’re hitting your workouts hard, then you are always at risk of an injury. These can be extremely frustrating for those determined to reach their fitness goals. You may be confined to the couch for weeks or months. That’s why prevention is the best cure, and it doesn’t need to be complicated.

Mix Up Your Routine

Doing the same workout activity day in and day out can lead to overuse injuries. For example, runners can experience shin splints and swimmers can suffer from rotator cuff injuries.

A lion may skip a warm-up when it suddenly chases down its next meal, but that doesn’t mean you should do the same. 10 minutes of light activity is a good way to ease yourself into the workout. Doing so will help you warm up your muscles without overdoing it.

Stretching

There is a lot of debate about stretching and whether it’s healthy or can lead to injuries. In general, it’s recommended that you only stretch muscles when they are warm, not cold. Therefore, once your warm-up is completed, it’s the time to stretch.

You should specifically focus on stretching the muscles that you will be using for your workout.

If you do experience pain during a stretch then immediately ease off. Overstretching muscles can lead to unnecessary discomfort and even injuries.

If you become dehydrated, your concentration and coordination can take a dive. If this happens then your chances of suffering a misshape increase. Make sure you stay significantly hydrated for the activity you’re performing and the temperature conditions.

If you’re going for a 30-minute jog in cool conditions, then you probably don’t need to worry too much. However, if you’re going for a two-hour bike ride in the sun, then you should aim to consume 500-1000mL per hour.

Don’t Be Afraid To Visit A Physio

By working out regularly, you will be putting additional stresses on your body. Small aches and pains can gradually worsen until they become major issues. If you’re experiencing minor pains, then consider visiting a physiotherapist. They are the experts when it comes to your body’s muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Pay Attention To Recovery

If you do suffer a major injury, then it’s important to get the necessary rest. You may be impatient to return to your workout regime, however, stressing a muscle before it’s completely recovered can lead to on-going pain. In fact, it may become an injury that flares up every few months and sticks with you for the rest of your life. It’s clear that by not recovering properly you’re setting yourself up for more injuries in the future.

Final Thoughts

Good luck reaching your fitness goals. Remember that any injuries could derail your plans and leave you inactive. These tips may be simple, but it’s often the simplest methods that work best. Consider making use of them next time you lace up your shoes.